Her Majesty The Queen has attended her first garden party of 2019. Her Majesty was accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as well as the Duke of York, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra.
Each year, the Queen hosts up to three garden parties on the grounds of Buckingham Palace. One party is also held at Holyroodhouse in Scotland. Held since the 1860s, the parties are typically a time in which the Royal Family can take time to recognize and reward public service.
While this is the first garden party of the year for the Queen, Her Majesty was actually absent for the first party of the season. Held earlier this month, the Queen asked her son Prince Charles to step in as host.
Just a few days prior to the party, Her Majesty was at Windsor where she attended the Royal Windsor Horse show. She also had a chance to meet her eighth great-grandchild Archie Harrison at this time. Archie is the first son for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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While she’s had a busy schedule, the monarch, 93, has been slowly handing over various royal duties to senior members of the royal family over the past few years. Several patronages have been given to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well as the Duke of Sussex. Prince Charles has also stepped in by attending events in place of his mother.
Yesterday’s party saw nearly 8,000 guests enjoy the sunshine at Buckingham Palace. According to the palace, about 27,000 cups of tea are served along with 20,000 sandwiches, and 20,000 slices of cake at the events. Guests must also adhere to a dress code. Men are expected to wear morning dress or lounge suits while women are expected to wear day dresses which are typically accessorized with some sort of hat or fascinator.
The next garden party will take place on 29th May at Buckingham Palace. The final party of the season will occur on 3rd July at Holyroodhouse.
